The Best Places in Baltimore
It is a mistake to ignore Baltimore. Even though Washington D.C. is just a stone’s throw away, make sure you schedule some time when you are traveling in the area to see all the attractions that Baltimore has to offer. Here are a few to consider.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Art lovers have several places to visit when they visit Baltimore. Of course, the most notable stop for those who love Warhol, Cezanne, and jazz (!) is the Baltimore Museum of Art. With over 95,000 pieces, the museum’s collection will take you hours to explore. Plan your visit accordingly, and remember to check the website. Currently, the Baltimore Museum of Art is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Walters Art Museum
To be fair, we would be remiss not to mention The Walters Art Museum as well. Your kids will love seeing the suits of armor from the Middle Ages and the Egyptology exhibit. You will appreciate the paintings from the Renaissance as well as the extensive collection of Asian art.
Plan your visit carefully, as this museum is also closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Fort McHenry National Monument
If you are visiting the monuments of D.C., make time to visit the Fort McHenry National Monument. There, you will see the site of the Battle of Baltimore, which occurred during the War of 1812. Not only is the location beautiful, as if overlooks the Chesapeake Bay, but it also is where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner.
Make sure you schedule your visit so you can hear a “flag talk” by one of the park rangers.
National Aquarium
When you visit Baltimore, make sure you head out to the Inner Harbor and visit the National Aquarium. See the wonders of the ocean while not even getting your hair wet. Make sure you see Calypso, a 500-pound sea turtle, the Dolphin Discovery Zone, and the Blacktip Reef exhibit.
The National Aquarium is one of the most popular destinations for families in Baltimore, so you may want to visit during off-peak hours.
Try the Seafood
Perhaps visiting the National Aquarium will put you in the mood to eat fresh seafood. If so, you are in luck, because Baltimore is known for its crab and other delectable dishes from the sea. Go to the Inner Harbor area and eat where the locals are eating. Do a little research on your favorite restaurant-review websites to figure out which non-chain restaurant you should visit.
B&O Railroad Museum
Do you remember the B&O Railroad from the Monopoly board? It’s a real thing. The Baltimore and Ohio transportation center is celebrated at this railroad museum located in the old Mount Clare’s Railroad Station.
Train lovers would enjoy this museum as well as lovers of history. The B&O Railroad is considered to be the birthplace of American railroading. It is also the place where the first telegraph was sent in the United States. The first message that was sent in 1844 was not, “can you pick up a gallon of milk on your way home?” In fact, the message was, “What hath God wrought?”
Enjoy your visit to Baltimore. Make sure you plan enough time for your visit.